plants, projects, and seasonal adventures in the garden

Category: Garden Design

I knew the Garden Bloggers Fling was going to be an extraordinary experience when the gardens of the Hillwood Estate were the first stop on the first full day. The Hillwood Estate was the home of Marjorie Merriweather Post. Born in 1887 with the proverbial silver spoon in her mouth, she was the only daughter… Continue reading The Gardens of Hillwood Estate

Garden walks are awesome! We learn so much from observing how other gardeners garden. We discover new plants we just have to grow in our own gardens, original ways to combine flowers and foliage, innovative methods of growing, and fresh ideas on displaying garden décor. We may even find a solution to one of our… Continue reading Garden Bloggers Fling – A Glimpse

I love purple. I typically can’t get enough purple flowers, purple foliage, and purple pots. I had every intention of welcoming guests to our home this summer with a front porch packed with purple. And then it happened. Our order of tropical plants arrived at work. While unwrapping mandevillas winding their way up trellises and… Continue reading Front Porch Tropical Paradise

Some gardeners mistakenly believe it is difficult to have a colorful shade garden. They give up, plant some ground cover, and call it a garden. But a beautiful shade garden is as easy as choosing plants with dramatic texture and vibrantly-colored foliage. The Japanese painted fern is a perfect example of a plant with both… Continue reading Japanese Painted Ferns add color to shade gardens!

From the moment you enter this year’s Chicago Flower & Garden show, you know you are in for a treat. Paying homage to Navy Pier’s 100th birthday, the entrance garden features Chicago landmarks, pink and white roses, lush ferns and purple Senetti pericallis. I love the exhibits of tulips, hyacinths and roses. I am more… Continue reading Gardens of the Chicago Flower & Garden Show